#Chapter 26 - Confrontation

I stare up at Christian’s face at a complete loss for words. Christian’s expression instantly softens as he sees the true hurt in my eyes. “Shit,” he murmurs, stepping forward and shaking his head, reaching for me. “Iris, I –“ But I take a step back, not wanting him to touch me now. “Is that…is that really what you think of me?” I whisper, horrified. “No,” he says, his voice tight, and I want to believe him – but then why did he say it? “I’m sorry, Iris – I was pissed, and I said what I knew would hurt your feelings – it was a mistake, that’s not what I think.” “But it must be,” I murmur, shaking my head and staring at him. “Those thoughts were in your head, Christian –“ “It’s not,” he insists, frowning down at me. “Well, the words were certainly ready on your lips,” I counter, honestly disappointed in him now. “Christian, there’s nothing wrong with stripping – it’s a job – it pays the bills.” But Christian just stands up straight and clenches his jaw, slipping his hands into hi